Apparatus for maintaining paired articles together during laundering

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for maintaining paired articles together including a male member having a skewer with a pointed end, a female member having a axial hole for receiving the skewer therein, and an elastic tether configured to maintain the skewer in the axial hole, wherein the elastic tether is attached to the male and female members, and wherein the elastic tether has a length such that the elastic tether is under tension when the skewer is engaged in the axial hole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/727,900 filed Nov. 19, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of maintaining paired articles together, and more particularly, to an apparatus for maintaining pairs of socks or other articles together during laundering to prevent the separation thereof.

Paired socks are typically separated during washing and drying, particularly when washed with other articles of clothing. Much time is wasted after washing and drying to find and match-up multiple pairs of socks, as socks become trapped within other articles of clothing, cling to other articles of clothing, or otherwise mysteriously disappear during the laundering process. Unmatched socks are the source of frustration and cost, as single socks are typically kept for a period of time and ultimately discarded when all hope is lost that the mating counterpart will ever be found.

Various devices have been developed for keeping pairs of articles together during laundering, however, these solutions are either too complex, release their captured articles during laundering, or require pre-existing holes through the articles. Accordingly, what is needed is an apparatus that overcomes the disadvantages of prior art devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, provided herein is an apparatus for maintaining paired articles together including a male member having a skewer with a pointed end, a female member having a axial hole for receiving the skewer therein, and an elastic member configured to maintain the skewer in the axial hole, wherein the elastic member is attached to the male and female members, and wherein the elastic member has a length such that the elastic member is under tension when the skewer is engaged in the axial hole.

In a further embodiment, the male member may include a cylindrical body with the skewer extending axially from one end of the cylindrical body, and the female member may include a cylindrical body with the axial hole arranged through one end of the cylindrical body.

In a further embodiment, the male member, the female member, the skewer, and the axial hole may be axially aligned when the male member is engaged in the female member.

In a further embodiment, the elastic member may attach through a hole in a sidewall of each of the male and female members, the hole in the sidewall being axially perpendicular to the skewer and the axial hole of the respective male and female members.

In a further embodiment, the elastic member may be a single elastic member having a relaxed length less than a total length of the male and female members when engaged.

In a further embodiment, the elastic member may include multiple elastic members connecting the male and female members.

In a further embodiment, the elastic member may be attached to ends of the male and female members opposite their respective skewer and axial hole.

In a further embodiment, the axial hole may have a depth such that a portion of the skewer is exposed when the skewer is fully engaged in the axial hole.

In a second embodiment, an apparatus for maintaining paired articles together during laundering is provided herein including a first cylindrical body having a skewer with a pointed end extending axially from one end of the first cylindrical body, a second cylindrical body having an axial hole for receiving the skewer therein, and an elastic tether configured to maintain the skewer in the axial hole, wherein the elastic tether is attached to the first and second cylindrical bodies and is under tension when the skewer is engaged in the axial hole.

In a further embodiment, the first cylindrical body, the second cylindrical body, the skewer, and the axial hole may be axially aligned when the skewer is engaged in the axial hole.

In a further embodiment, the elastic tether may attach through a hole in a sidewall of each of the first and second cylindrical bodies arranged axially perpendicular to the respective skewer and the axial hole of the first and second cylindrical bodies.

In a further embodiment, the elastic tether may be a single elastic member having a length in a relaxed state less than a distance between the holes in the sidewalls of the first and second cylindrical bodies when the skewer is fully engaged in the axial hole.

In a further embodiment, the elastic tether may include multiple elastic members connecting the first and second cylindrical bodies.

In a further embodiment, the elastic tether may be attached to an end of the first cylindrical body opposite the skewer, and an end of the second cylindrical body opposite the axial hole.

In a further embodiment, the axial hole may have a depth such that a portion of the skewer is exposed when the skewer is fully engaged in the axial hole.

In a third embodiment, an apparatus for maintaining paired articles together during laundering is provided herein including a first cylindrical body having a skewer with a pointed end extending axially from one end of the first cylindrical body, a second cylindrical body having an axial hole for receiving the skewer therein, and an elastic tether configured to maintain the skewer in the axial hole, wherein the elastic tether is attached to each of the first and second cylindrical bodies and is under tension when the skewer is engaged in the axial hole, and wherein the elastic tether attaches through a hole in a sidewall of each of the first and second cylindrical bodies arranged axially perpendicular to the respective skewer and the axial hole of the first and second cylindrical bodies.

Embodiments of the invention can include one or more or any combination of the above features and configurations.

Additional features, aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present various embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 in use maintaining a pair of socks together;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings.

Referring to the figures, various embodiments of an apparatus for maintaining paired articles together during laundering are shown. Paired articles can include, but are not limited to, pairs of socks. Paired articles can also include matching articles, for example, a matching hat and scarf. The apparatus may be used to maintain a single pair of articles together or multiple articles all together, and may be scaled accordingly. The apparatus can be scaled depending on the intended use. Suitable materials for use in the construction of the apparatus include, but are not limited to, durable, rust-proof materials capable of long-term repeated use without breakage or degradation upon exposure to the mechanical workings of laundering machines and chemicals and detergents used therein. Elastic materials used in the apparatus, as described below, preferably retain their elasticity over long-term, repeated use.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention is shown generally at reference numeral 10. The apparatus generally includes a male member 14 and a female member 16, tethered together by way of an elastic member 18, also referred to herein as an “elastic tether.” The male member 14 has a skewer 20 extending axially from one end thereof that terminates in a point or blunt tip for easily passing through openings in the knitted construction of articles without causing damage thereto and without being sharp enough to pierce or injure the user. The skewer 20 is sized to be received within a corresponding axial hole 22 defined in one end of the female member 16. The skewer 20 diameter shown is not intended to be limiting nor represent a dimensional relationship between the skewer and respective cylindrical body to which it is attached. In one embodiment, the skewer 20 may have a very small diameter as compared to that of the cylindrical body such that the skewer easily passes through openings in the knitted construction of the garment without creating a hole for such purpose. The diameter of the axial hole 22 in the female member 16 is sized about the same as the outer diameter of the skewer 20 to provide a slight interface fit between the skewer 20 and the axial hole 22 to help to maintain the two members together when engaged. The skewer 20 can have any length based on the thickness of the articles to be passed through or the number of articles to be maintained together. The skewer 20 is preferably rigid so that it does not bend when being pushed through any number of articles. A portion of the skewer 20 is left exposed when the skewer is fully engaged in the axial hole 22.

The male and female members 14, 16 may be cylindrical bodies, although other shapes are possible and are envisioned. The cylindrical shape helps to minimize snagging on machine parts and other articles being laundered. In a specific embodiment, the skewer 20 can be constructed from stainless steel and bonded to the male member 14. The body of the male member 14 can be molded around the skewer 20 or the skewer can be added to the male member 14 after the male member is formed. The skewer 20 and axial hole 22 may be centrically or eccentrically positioned with respect to their cylindrical bodes. Eccentric positioning provides a greater distance between the skewer 20 and axially parallel elastic member 18, allowing the skewer to be inserted further into the articles while still allowing the elastic member to pass around the articles.

As shown, the elastic member 18 may be attached along the length of the cylindrical bodies (FIG. 1) or at the ends thereof (FIG. 3). Attaching along the length may be through a hole in the sidewall of the bodies axially perpendicular to the respective skewer 20 and axial hole 22 of the male and female members 14, 16. As shown in FIG. 3, in an alternative embodiment, the elastic member 18 may attach to eyelets protruding from the ends of the male and female members 14, 16.

In all embodiments, regardless of the manner or location in which the elastic member 18 is attached to the male and female members 14, 16, the elastic member 18 has a relaxed length (i.e., length when not under tension) less than its length when the male and female parts are engaged such that the elastic member 18 is under tension when the male and female parts are engaged. In this arrangement, the tension in the elastic member 18 biases the male and female members 14, 16 toward one another to keep them engaged. In this configuration, the elastic member 18 not only functions as a tether to keep the male and female members 14, 16 together when disengaged, but keeps the skewer 20 engaged in the axial hole 22 to prevent it from unintentionally being dislodged therefrom during laundering. In use, the elastic member 18 is stretched in order to pull the male and female members 14, 16 far enough apart to insert the skewer 20 into the axial hole 22.

The elastic member 18 is preferably arranged generally parallel to the longitudinal axis through the male and female members 14, 16 when engaged. The elastic member 18 may include a single elastic member with single attachment points to each of the male and female members 14, 16 as shown in FIG. 1, or may include multiple elastic members or doubled-back single elastic member with multiple attachment points as shown in FIG. 4

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus 10 in use to maintain a single pair of socks together during laundering, although multiple pairs of socks can be maintained together with a single apparatus. To install the apparatus, the male and female members 14, 16 first start disengaged. The skewer 20 of the male member 14 is advanced through openings in the knitting of the socks or other articles. Once clear through all articles to be maintained together, the skewer 20 is advanced into the axial hole 22 in the female member 16. Slight pressure may be needed to overcome any interference between the skewer 20 and axial hole 22. Slight force is also needed to overcome the tension in the elastic member 18 to allow the male and female members 14, 16 to be pulled far enough apart to be placed in axial alignment for aligning the skewer 20 with the axial hole 22. With the male and female members 14, 16 engaged, the articles can then be placed in a washing machine and dryer to be laundered. To separate the articles after laundering, the male and female members 14, 16 are pulled apart by applying pulling force in the axial direction until the skewer 20 is clear of the axial hole 22. The skewer 20 is then withdrawn from the articles and the apparatus is ready to be used again.

Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention is shown generally at reference numeral 30. In this embodiment, the elastic member 18 is a generally Y-shaped member attached at its single end to one of the male and female members 14, 16, and at its double end to the other of the male and female members 14, 16. In this configuration, the “doubling” of the elastic member 18 provides greater tension when the male and female members 14, 16 are engaged and/or a “back-up” elastic member in the event one of the elastic members breaks. Further embodiments can include multiple skewers and/or multiple elastic members.

The foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention by way of example only. It is envisioned that other embodiments may perform similar functions and/or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for maintaining paired articles together, comprising: a male member having a skewer with a pointed end; a female member having a axial hole for receiving the skewer therein; and an elastic member configured to maintain the skewer in the axial hole, wherein the elastic member is attached to the male and female members, and wherein the elastic member has a length such that the elastic member is under tension when the skewer is engaged in the axial hole.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the male member comprises a cylindrical body and the skewer extends axially from one end of the cylindrical body.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the female member is a cylindrical body and the axial hole is through one end of the cylindrical body.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the male member, the female member, the skewer, and the axial hole are axially aligned when the male member is engaged in the female member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic member attaches through a hole in a sidewall of each of the male member and the female member, the hole in the sidewall being axially perpendicular to the skewer and the axial hole of the respective male and female members.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a single elastic member having a relaxed length less than a total length of the male and female members when engaged.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic member includes multiple elastic members connecting the male and female members.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is attached to ends of the male and female members opposite the respective skewer and axial hole.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the axial hole has a depth such that a portion of the skewer is exposed when the skewer is fully engaged in the axial hole.
 10. An apparatus for maintaining paired articles together during laundering, comprising: a first cylindrical body having a skewer with a pointed end extending axially from one end of the first cylindrical body; a second cylindrical body having an axial hole for receiving the skewer therein; and an elastic tether configured to maintain the skewer in the axial hole, wherein the elastic tether is attached to the first and second cylindrical bodies and is under tension when the skewer is engaged in the axial hole.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first cylindrical body, the second cylindrical body, the skewer, and the axial hole are axially aligned when the skewer is engaged in the axial hole.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the elastic tether attaches through a hole in a sidewall of each of the first and second cylindrical bodies arranged axially perpendicular to the respective skewer and the axial hole of the first and second cylindrical bodies.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the elastic tether is a single elastic member having a length in a relaxed state less than a distance between the holes in the sidewalls of the first and second cylindrical bodies when the skewer is fully engaged in the axial hole.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the elastic tether includes multiple elastic members connecting the first and second cylindrical bodies.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the elastic tether is attached to an end of the first cylindrical body opposite the skewer, and an end of the second cylindrical body opposite the axial hole.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the axial hole has a depth such that a portion of the skewer is exposed when the skewer is fully engaged in the axial hole.
 17. An apparatus for maintaining paired articles together during laundering, comprising: a first cylindrical body having a skewer with a pointed end extending axially from one end of the first cylindrical body; a second cylindrical body having an axial hole for receiving the skewer therein; and an elastic member configured to maintain the skewer in the axial hole, wherein the elastic member is attached to each of the first and second cylindrical bodies and is under tension when the skewer is engaged in the axial hole, and wherein the elastic member attaches through a hole in a sidewall of each of the first and second cylindrical bodies arranged axially perpendicular to the respective skewer and the axial hole of the first and second cylindrical bodies. 